Generation and Sonication of α-synuclein Fibrils v1

Animal models that accurately recapitulate the accumulation of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) inclusions, progressive neurodegeneration of the nigrostriatal system and motor deficits can be useful tools for Parkinson's disease (PD) research. The preformed fibril (PFF) synucleinopathy model in rodents generally displays these PD-relevant features, however, the magnitude and predictability of these events is far from established. We therefore have optimized the synthesis generation of α-syn fibrils to ensure reliable, robust results. These fibrils can be added to neurons in culture, differentiated iPSCs, or injected into mice or rats. The protocol includes steps for fibril synthesis as well as sonication for fibril fragmentaion which is a critical step for inducing formation of α-syn inclusions.